What do you think?
Rate this book
Troubleshooters #11
Force of Nature
Hard-driving suspense and intense passion are the hallmarks of bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann’s pulse-pounding thrillers. In her tales of daring, danger, courage, and desire, men and women of action fight fiercely, love deeply, and time after time raise the bar for adventure. Force of Nature is no exception.
Florida private investigator and ex-cop Ric Alvarado’s life is spiraling out of control. His beautiful new girl Friday, Annie Dugan, is far more interested in fieldwork than filing, and despite Ric’s best efforts to ignore the attraction, sparks are flying between them. Then one of Ric’s clients turns femme fatale and tries to gun down an innocent man. Thanks to quick thinking and even quicker reflexes, Ric comes to the rescue, only to learn he’s done a very good deed for some very bad people.
Suddenly Ric finds himself deep undercover with Annie, working for notorious crime boss Gordon Burns. One mistake from Ric’s painfully inexperienced partner and they’ re both dead.
FBI agent Jules Cassidy’s life isn’t in much better shape. For years the FBI has been trying to prove Gordon Burns’s ties to terrorist activity. Now, thanks to Ric and Annie, Jules has found a way into the lion’s den. But in the course of his investigation he comes face-to-face with Robin Chadwick, the charismatic but self-destructive and closeted movie star for whom Jules feels a powerful attraction. Robin’s in town promoting his latest film–and Gordon Burns is a star-struck movie buff.
With Robin and Jules’s help, Ric and Annie are soon entrenched in Burns’ s organization, surrounded by killers who may already have executed an FBI infiltrator. Before long the couple realizes that many more lives besides their own will be at stake if they make a false move. As the heat between them reaches dangerous levels, so do the risks they’re willing to take–in the line of duty, for the sake of loyalty, and in the name of something that runs even deeper.
Florida private investigator and ex-cop Ric Alvarado’s life is spiraling out of control. His beautiful new girl Friday, Annie Dugan, is far more interested in fieldwork than filing, and despite Ric’s best efforts to ignore the attraction, sparks are flying between them. Then one of Ric’s clients turns femme fatale and tries to gun down an innocent man. Thanks to quick thinking and even quicker reflexes, Ric comes to the rescue, only to learn he’s done a very good deed for some very bad people.
Suddenly Ric finds himself deep undercover with Annie, working for notorious crime boss Gordon Burns. One mistake from Ric’s painfully inexperienced partner and they’ re both dead.
FBI agent Jules Cassidy’s life isn’t in much better shape. For years the FBI has been trying to prove Gordon Burns’s ties to terrorist activity. Now, thanks to Ric and Annie, Jules has found a way into the lion’s den. But in the course of his investigation he comes face-to-face with Robin Chadwick, the charismatic but self-destructive and closeted movie star for whom Jules feels a powerful attraction. Robin’s in town promoting his latest film–and Gordon Burns is a star-struck movie buff.
With Robin and Jules’s help, Ric and Annie are soon entrenched in Burns’ s organization, surrounded by killers who may already have executed an FBI infiltrator. Before long the couple realizes that many more lives besides their own will be at stake if they make a false move. As the heat between them reaches dangerous levels, so do the risks they’re willing to take–in the line of duty, for the sake of loyalty, and in the name of something that runs even deeper.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 14, 2007
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
225 books3,532 followersAfter childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
November 22, 2022
Tracking down a woman for his client seemed like an easy job. But private investigator Ric Alvarado and his assistant Annie Dugan get caught up in the world of notorious crime boss Gordon Burns. When the FBI gets wind of it, Agent Jules Cassidy asks Ric and Annie to go undercover and gather information about an agent who had been placed in the Burns compound but has missed several check-ins. Jules is working the case when he comes face-to-face with Robin Chadwick, a movie actor who once broke Jules' heart. Robin is in town promoting his new movie, and Gordon Burns is a movie buff who is throwing a party for the star. Robin invites Jules, Ric, and Annie to the party which gives them a way into the Burns home to search for clues to what happened to the last agent they planted in the Burns compound.
The action/suspense portions of this story were very well written. I had a hard time putting this book down. Ric and Annie are new to the Troubleshooters series, even though we did get a glimpse of Ric in a previous book. They've known each other for years and there is an attraction between them that Ric is reluctant to act on. I liked both of these characters and hope they show up in future books. But the characters I was most looking forward to in this book were Jules and Robin. Robin is in the closet and is not willing to come out to his fans. He also has an alcohol problem but won't admit it. Jules wants a man who will be his partner, not someone who hides his true self from the public. The attraction between the two characters is off the charts. I was very happy with their story. I know we will see more of them in this series. My ratings: 5 Stars.
2022 Re-read: I'm reading this series for the second time with a Goodreads group. This time around I am listening to the audiobook narrated by Patrick Lawler and Melanie Ewbank. I enjoyed the audio, but Ric and Annie's bickering did get on my nerves a little bit. Otherwise, it's still a 5-Star book.
The action/suspense portions of this story were very well written. I had a hard time putting this book down. Ric and Annie are new to the Troubleshooters series, even though we did get a glimpse of Ric in a previous book. They've known each other for years and there is an attraction between them that Ric is reluctant to act on. I liked both of these characters and hope they show up in future books. But the characters I was most looking forward to in this book were Jules and Robin. Robin is in the closet and is not willing to come out to his fans. He also has an alcohol problem but won't admit it. Jules wants a man who will be his partner, not someone who hides his true self from the public. The attraction between the two characters is off the charts. I was very happy with their story. I know we will see more of them in this series. My ratings: 5 Stars.
2022 Re-read: I'm reading this series for the second time with a Goodreads group. This time around I am listening to the audiobook narrated by Patrick Lawler and Melanie Ewbank. I enjoyed the audio, but Ric and Annie's bickering did get on my nerves a little bit. Otherwise, it's still a 5-Star book.
January 5, 2016
Evidentemente un 5.
La historia de Ric y Annie... bueno... lo que me he podido reír con sus continuos "piques-discusiones", me han encantado. Martell siempre en medio y comentando.
Romance del que me gusta, acción y risas, para mí fantástico.
Luego está Jules.... y babeo absolutamente, para mi es EL PERSONAJE, tanto en Hot Target como en este libro. Es maravilloso, tío duro por su profesión y a la vez sensible, absolutamente adorable y totalmente sincero con su condición. LO ADORO a morir. No puedes dejar de amarlo desde el primer momento en que aparece.
Robin también tiene sus puntos y acabas adorándolo.
Muy bien Brockmann, muyyyy bien
La historia de Ric y Annie... bueno... lo que me he podido reír con sus continuos "piques-discusiones", me han encantado. Martell siempre en medio y comentando.
Romance del que me gusta, acción y risas, para mí fantástico.
Luego está Jules.... y babeo absolutamente, para mi es EL PERSONAJE, tanto en Hot Target como en este libro. Es maravilloso, tío duro por su profesión y a la vez sensible, absolutamente adorable y totalmente sincero con su condición. LO ADORO a morir. No puedes dejar de amarlo desde el primer momento en que aparece.
Robin también tiene sus puntos y acabas adorándolo.
Muy bien Brockmann, muyyyy bien
November 30, 2022
the setup…
Former police detective Ric Alvarado is now a Sarasota private investigator with primarily run-of-the-mill divorce cases. He’s recently hired his best friend’s sister Annie Dugan as his administrative assistant but she’s determined to be more of an investigative aide. When he takes on what he believes to be another routine case to find a young woman who was the client’s deceased daughter’s best friend, he had no idea the hornet’s nest he was walking into and dragging Annie along in the process. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Jules Cassidy is in Sarasota working a sting operation targeting notorious crime boss Gordon Burns, suspected of assisting a known terrorist to soon enter the US. It’s been a couple of years but Jules is still trying to forget Robin Chadwick but now the man is also in Sarasota promoting his latest film. Yeah, you know their paths are going to cross as Burns is a serious movie buff.
the heart of the story…
To say Ric’s case went sideways is a massive understatement. Even though Annie lacks experience, she’s got exceptional instincts as she was leery of the client from the onset. Things got dangerous, I mean life and death level, further complicated as both Ric and Annie had undeclared strong feelings for each other. I loved Annie who was sharp, astute and could handle herself despite Ric’s penchant for wanting to “save” her. My only criticism was their constant sniping at each other that got annoying after awhile. I’d hoped Jules and Robin would eventually find their way back to each other so I was excited about the prospect. It was messy, passionate and fraught with minefields, which was perfect and no less than what I’d imagined for them.
the narration…
This was a reread, this time on audio and I’m continuing to find it to be fresh and more entertaining in this format. I’m loving the duo’s performances.
the bottom line…
As much as I was looking forward to the Jules & Robin storyline, I was equally invested in Ric & Annie’s adventures as she turned out to be quite the surprise. Annie was witty, quick on her feet and almost an equal partner to Ric in every way. The transitions between the two just kept me hooked to the story and when they intersected, it was outstanding. Even Ric & Annie’s annoying and endless spats failed to lessen my interest. However, I give Jules & Robin the win for the romance! I loved this story and it was even better the second time around.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Former police detective Ric Alvarado is now a Sarasota private investigator with primarily run-of-the-mill divorce cases. He’s recently hired his best friend’s sister Annie Dugan as his administrative assistant but she’s determined to be more of an investigative aide. When he takes on what he believes to be another routine case to find a young woman who was the client’s deceased daughter’s best friend, he had no idea the hornet’s nest he was walking into and dragging Annie along in the process. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Jules Cassidy is in Sarasota working a sting operation targeting notorious crime boss Gordon Burns, suspected of assisting a known terrorist to soon enter the US. It’s been a couple of years but Jules is still trying to forget Robin Chadwick but now the man is also in Sarasota promoting his latest film. Yeah, you know their paths are going to cross as Burns is a serious movie buff.
the heart of the story…
To say Ric’s case went sideways is a massive understatement. Even though Annie lacks experience, she’s got exceptional instincts as she was leery of the client from the onset. Things got dangerous, I mean life and death level, further complicated as both Ric and Annie had undeclared strong feelings for each other. I loved Annie who was sharp, astute and could handle herself despite Ric’s penchant for wanting to “save” her. My only criticism was their constant sniping at each other that got annoying after awhile. I’d hoped Jules and Robin would eventually find their way back to each other so I was excited about the prospect. It was messy, passionate and fraught with minefields, which was perfect and no less than what I’d imagined for them.
the narration…
This was a reread, this time on audio and I’m continuing to find it to be fresh and more entertaining in this format. I’m loving the duo’s performances.
the bottom line…
As much as I was looking forward to the Jules & Robin storyline, I was equally invested in Ric & Annie’s adventures as she turned out to be quite the surprise. Annie was witty, quick on her feet and almost an equal partner to Ric in every way. The transitions between the two just kept me hooked to the story and when they intersected, it was outstanding. Even Ric & Annie’s annoying and endless spats failed to lessen my interest. However, I give Jules & Robin the win for the romance! I loved this story and it was even better the second time around.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 16, 2020
Why does this author keep turning awesome, strong characters into pathetic losers because "true love"? First Alyssa, now Jules.
At the end of Hot Target, Jules stood up for himself and told both Adam and Robin he deserves better than what either of them had to offer. Here, he decides what he deserves is a closeted drunken lush who can't keep his pants on and spends 50% of his time in a blackout stupor, who jeopardizes Jules's job and undercover assignment. And why? I have no idea. Sure, they actually like each other and get along, which is more than I can say for most of the other couples this series has offered, but my lord, what a train wreck! Supposedly, Jules thinks he's in love with this walking disaster, but I'm not feeling it, and I'm not seeing it. You need more than physical attraction - and really, why in the world would anyone be attracted to an alcoholic? Why get hung up on this one guy? That doesn’t make it romantic. That makes it pathetic, and I can't respect characters who don't respect themselves.
Also, how does the FBI just sign on civilians to undercover assignments like this? Shouldn't there be liability waivers, at the very least? What happened to that crazy ex-porn star? And we know Cosmo's Robin's brother-in-law and we know his brother-in-law is an ex-Navy SEAL. Stop telling us every single time his name is mentioned. The whole plot with the crime lords was the typical crime lord nonsense; I don't have anything to say about it. Martell gets some stereotypical black dialogue, but I think that was meant to showcase how stereotypical it was. I hope so, anyway.
Who is Ben? This is the risk I took when I started skipping books and then ended up DNFing the last one.
Annie was cool though. She's the main reason to read this. All the stars are for her. Ric was just kind of there, and I could have done without all the bickering, even if that was kind of their thing. And yeah, they're horny, but they're not too horny to survive, so they're automatically the most successful couple I've read here so far.
So I finally got to the point where I can read #12, which I got for free a few years back and is the entire reason I've put myself though this ridiculous series, and now I don't even want to read the stupid thing. I just can't imagine Jules and Robin with an HEA. Same as I can't with Sam and Alyssa. These couples are just so poorly matched.
Edit: I was going to lower the rating to 2.5 stars, but after seeing all the homophobes in the one and two star reviews, I'm leaving it at three. 😡
At the end of Hot Target, Jules stood up for himself and told both Adam and Robin he deserves better than what either of them had to offer. Here, he decides what he deserves is a closeted drunken lush who can't keep his pants on and spends 50% of his time in a blackout stupor, who jeopardizes Jules's job and undercover assignment. And why? I have no idea. Sure, they actually like each other and get along, which is more than I can say for most of the other couples this series has offered, but my lord, what a train wreck! Supposedly, Jules thinks he's in love with this walking disaster, but I'm not feeling it, and I'm not seeing it. You need more than physical attraction - and really, why in the world would anyone be attracted to an alcoholic? Why get hung up on this one guy? That doesn’t make it romantic. That makes it pathetic, and I can't respect characters who don't respect themselves.
Also, how does the FBI just sign on civilians to undercover assignments like this? Shouldn't there be liability waivers, at the very least? What happened to that crazy ex-porn star? And we know Cosmo's Robin's brother-in-law and we know his brother-in-law is an ex-Navy SEAL. Stop telling us every single time his name is mentioned. The whole plot with the crime lords was the typical crime lord nonsense; I don't have anything to say about it. Martell gets some stereotypical black dialogue, but I think that was meant to showcase how stereotypical it was. I hope so, anyway.
Who is Ben? This is the risk I took when I started skipping books and then ended up DNFing the last one.
Annie was cool though. She's the main reason to read this. All the stars are for her. Ric was just kind of there, and I could have done without all the bickering, even if that was kind of their thing. And yeah, they're horny, but they're not too horny to survive, so they're automatically the most successful couple I've read here so far.
So I finally got to the point where I can read #12, which I got for free a few years back and is the entire reason I've put myself though this ridiculous series, and now I don't even want to read the stupid thing. I just can't imagine Jules and Robin with an HEA. Same as I can't with Sam and Alyssa. These couples are just so poorly matched.
Edit: I was going to lower the rating to 2.5 stars, but after seeing all the homophobes in the one and two star reviews, I'm leaving it at three. 😡
December 29, 2018
aunque al final se ha animado y la trama policíaca ha conseguido animarme, la primera parte de la novela me ha parecido sosa y aburrida.
De todas formas, cuando al lector le interesa más, ha sido mi caso, la pareja secundaria que la principal, creo que el autor está fallando
son dos amigos que se conocen desde siempre y eso no queda reflejado en la novela, no sé si es que en otras anteriores aparecen, igual que los secundarios, pero me ha faltado información.
La pareja homosexual me ha gustado y, eso me ha alegrado, hace tiempo que amigas me animan a leer algo sobre ese género y no terminaba de convencerme y ahora creo que en algún momento del año que viene quizás lo haga.
En resumen, una novela más de acción con un romance que me ha dejado más bien fría.
Eso sí,. me ha gustado mucho reencontrarme con Jules y ....
De todas formas, cuando al lector le interesa más, ha sido mi caso, la pareja secundaria que la principal, creo que el autor está fallando
son dos amigos que se conocen desde siempre y eso no queda reflejado en la novela, no sé si es que en otras anteriores aparecen, igual que los secundarios, pero me ha faltado información.
La pareja homosexual me ha gustado y, eso me ha alegrado, hace tiempo que amigas me animan a leer algo sobre ese género y no terminaba de convencerme y ahora creo que en algún momento del año que viene quizás lo haga.
En resumen, una novela más de acción con un romance que me ha dejado más bien fría.
Eso sí,. me ha gustado mucho reencontrarme con Jules y ....
February 25, 2013
5 Stars... Force of Nature has it all... it's like all your dreams come true and this book give it to you. We have more funny moments, steamy scenes, love that finds each other at least *yay* and non stop action. Now what more could you ask for?
When I started Force of Nature I was mainly looking forward to reading more about Robin and Jules. What surprised me was the beautiful, funny and hot relationship that developed between Ric and Annie Dugan. I wasn't left unhappy about any aspect of these relationships.
*Please forgive all my quotes... I got a little excited about this book, Plus Brockmann says it so much better than I ever could.
My ode to Ric Alvarado
We met Ric in a previous Troubleshooter book as a detective that helps Max with Gina. His cameo didn't leave me drooling but there is just something about Ric that sneaks up on you. It's almost true with all the men in the Troubleshooter books. What I found sweet and endearing about Ric Alvarado was his ability to open mouth and insert foot. It's hilarious. This is my favorite right foot-in-mouth moment:
“For the love of God,” Annie exploded. “Will you just finish your fricking sentence? Because I’m what , Ric? Too tall? Too short? Too smart? Too attached to my dog? A liberal? An athlete? Not feminine enough? What? ”
“You’re gay,” he said, and at her total, openmouthed surprise, he asked, “Aren’t you?” He answered it himself. “No, you’re not. Okay, then. That’s…great.”
Ric loves women, he loves everything about them and it literally oozes off the page. In fact several times he's tongue tied with Annie and she thinks he's thinking she's too fat or that he's not attracted to her body. Him stumbling over his words to correct himself and it makes for some fun moments.
Ric looked at all women like that. With genuine appreciation. Regardless of the woman’s shape or size or age. Yeah, Ric Alvarado didn’t just look at women. He smoldered at them.
Ric tried to explain. “It’s more than that. I’ve got this thing where, I don’t know, I can’t say it without it sounding like, yeah, I’m sexist, but bottom line, I just want to protect you.” It wasn’t because she was a woman, it was because she was Annie. “And yeah, it has nothing to do with your ability or skill or—” “You want to protect me, but it’s not because you’re a man and I’m a woman.” His temper sparked at the attitude she was throwing at him. “No, it’s not.”
My favorite moment with Annie and Ric in the bathroom *note this is a spoiler if you haven't read the book* This is so dang hot!!
Now my ode to all things Annie
I love Annie. I love that she's strong, confident and secure in herself to go after what she wants... I love that she can shoot better than Ric and many FBI agents and that she's a natural at it. Because that's SO Annie! I love that's shes curvy and beautiful. She's an amazing friend and has been through so much.
“Do you know how long it took me to put on this fucking makeup?” she asked him. Her use of the F-word brought wariness to his eyes. He knew he was in trouble. He just didn’t know why. “No,” he said. “Should I?” “Over an hour,” she declared. “I had to teach myself how to do it—talk about a pain in the butt. Check out my eyes—the liner? Do you know how hard it is to take some little pointy pencil and make a straight line like that? Right near your own eye? Will you at least look at it, please?” He looked. It was a little disconcerting to have him paying her such close attention, but at least now he didn’t look as much like a former cop working with the FBI, scoping out a suspect’s party.
“I said you smell really good ,” Ric corrected her, “which is actually the accepted way of telling your high school best friend’s little sister—who spent years being way too young for you—that you think she looks unbelievably hot.” “Nice try.” Annie wasn’t buying. “Right now, though? I’m looking for Wow, your eyeliner is really straight. Way to go. ”
It didn't hurt that I connected with Annie so well because I look just like her, I have green eyes not gray... I mean, it's not every day you associate yourself with a character in a book when you're a curvy girl. But when you think of the way Ric described Annie you can't help but know why he's been in love with her for years.
Annie Dugan wasn’t traditionally pretty, at least not in a helpless-and-fragile delicate female sense. She did, however, have the fresh-faced, Irish American peasant-girl thing down pat, with big gray eyes and freckles, naturally curly hair, and a wide smile that could, at times, be incredibly sweet. Her attitude, however, was pure twenty-first-century kick-ass dominatrix.
Jules and Robin *squeal*
I have loved Jules the moment we met this FBI agent who was teamed up with his BFF Alyssa Locke. Now years later and Jules is still pining over Robin "Heartthrob" Chadwick. The development of this relationship between Robin and Jules has been books in the making. The attraction was instant but Robin was in the closet and now sure of his sexuality. Jules is in a place in his life and career that he's not going to hide who he is or what he loves. I love that about Jules.
But God, he still smelled exactly the same. And suddenly Robin went from just barely able to speak to unable to shut the fuck up. “Jesus, I’ve missed you,” came spewing out just as Jules said, “I’m here on business.”
“You won’t talk to me in private, fine. I’ll have this conversation with you in front of your friends. Seeing you again has…Jules, it takes my breath away—how much I just want to be with you.”
And in that split second, when their eyes met and the very air seemed to crackle around them, Robin almost did it. Three long strides would bring him to Jules’s side. He could picture the disbelief in his eyes—disbelief that would turn to wonder and then heat as Robin drew him into his arms and kissed him as ardently as he’d kissed his co-star, Susie McCoy, at the end of Riptide.
“I can wait.” Robin just smiled. “Yeah, but I can’t,” he said, and he kissed him. Right in front of the whole, wide world.
Robin is struggling with his identity, being in the closet and his own celebrity. Ms. Brockmann writes his stuggles very well and realistic. She does not hold back on the reality of alcoholism. It's hard to watch Robin fall but my hope is he's hit rock bottom and now he put his life together the way he wants. It was nice to see into Robins head more, how he feels about Jules. His internal struggle with the reasons he drinks and his family history. I felt like Ms. Brockmann finally gave us the insite into his character.
The Elephant in the room
A friend had to remind me that this book was written in 2006... that Ms. Brockmann was at the time taking a big leap writing his M/M romance. You see I was a little upset that there were some fade to black moments when it came to Jules and Robins relationship. I guess because I love these characters that I wanted them to have the same kind of love affair that the other M/F characters did. So, i'm not going to fault Ms. Brockmann for being cautious... I also wont lie, I can't wait to read more about this beautiful relationship. So here is the 'Elephant in the room:' how do these macho alpha males SEALS feel about this gay FBI agent... Well, I think Ric and Martell sum it up perfectly,
“He okay?” Martell asked.
“Yeah,” Ric said. “He’ll be fine.”
“So that’s what gay guys do, huh? Sit around racking up insane stunt bonuses on Grand Theft Auto,” Martell mused. “Who knew? I expected to find him redecorating your kitchen.”
“I got Colt 45s in the fridge,” Ric said. “Want one?”
Martell laughed. “Zing.”
“He’s a lot like us,” Ric said. “He just…has sex with…men.”
Martell turned his head to look at him.
In conclusion... This was a home run in the Troubleshooter series. This book exceeded my expectations by a mile, wonderful characters, deeply layer story line and lots of action. I take comfort in knowing that Brockmann will bring back my favorite characters in the following book, so I wont morn not seeing Annie and Ric too much. Off to hunt down Wendy (my buddy reading twin) to see when we get to read
All Through the Night: A Troubleshooter Christmas. I cannot wait!
What do you think... Jules and Robin?
November 6, 2019
Jules and Robin are one of my favorite couples, ever. 😊 This couple started me on my journey to mm romance. I highly recommend this series. You could read this without reading the whole series but you need to read Hot Target at a minimum. Though the mf relationships are 99.9% the primary focus of the series as a whole, Force of Nature is about 50/50 between Jules and Robin, and Annieand Ric.
I forgot how funny this is, and it's not always funny haha (these couples do enjoy themselves) but funny omg i can't believe "they" said/did that.
5 stars. The audio narration was good. Dual male/female. Wish the voice for Jules and Robin sounded younger, but narrator is very talented.
I forgot how funny this is, and it's not always funny haha (these couples do enjoy themselves) but funny omg i can't believe "they" said/did that.
5 stars. The audio narration was good. Dual male/female. Wish the voice for Jules and Robin sounded younger, but narrator is very talented.
January 30, 2020
I expected to enjoy this a lot more and I'm sad I didn't. The story follows a terrorist threat to Atlanta or New York. According to intel given to the FBI, organized crime boss Gordie Burns could be using his company to smuggle in a wanted al Qaeda terrorist.
This somehow became- boring. I don't know where I lost it but Ric's chauvinism and the mm-lite made for rather dull reading. I'd have appreciated more heat and more stakes. Perhaps I was spoiled by Brockmann's older (and in my opinion, her best) book: Out of Control. I was glad to finally see the origins for Jules and Robin but frankly, I wish they'd taken a front seat to the melodrama of Ric and Annie.
It's the perfect book for some low-stakes mindless action ending with a discount version of the boat scene from Face/Off.
This somehow became- boring. I don't know where I lost it but Ric's chauvinism and the mm-lite made for rather dull reading. I'd have appreciated more heat and more stakes. Perhaps I was spoiled by Brockmann's older (and in my opinion, her best) book: Out of Control. I was glad to finally see the origins for Jules and Robin but frankly, I wish they'd taken a front seat to the melodrama of Ric and Annie.
It's the perfect book for some low-stakes mindless action ending with a discount version of the boat scene from Face/Off.
August 13, 2017
Vaya historia! No había leído nada de esta autora, pero a partir de ahora eso va a cambiar. Es una novela romántica, pero con toques de misterio. Y tiene la misma proporción de ambas. Los personajes son los mejor, y los diálogos buenísimos. En esta novela hay dos historias románticas y ambas son preciosas, aunque me quedo con una de ellas, la de Jules y Robin. Jules es sin duda lo mejor del libro. Me he quedado con ganas de mas! Exquisita! Muy muy recomendable.
November 15, 2019
#RetoRita3 #RitaSusi
No había leído nada de esta autora hasta ahora, gracias al Reto Rita.
Me ha gustado bastante este libro, lo he disfrutado mucho.
Me ha parecido una historia bien escrita, entretenida y los protagonistas me han encantado.
Sobre todo la pareja de Jules y Robin, me tenían loquita desde el primer momento.
Con Ric y Annie me reído mucho, por que se llevaban como el perro y el gato.
Lo más seguro que siga leyendo esta serie, me gusta como escribe la autora y parece que los demás libros tienen buena pinta
No había leído nada de esta autora hasta ahora, gracias al Reto Rita.
Me ha gustado bastante este libro, lo he disfrutado mucho.
Me ha parecido una historia bien escrita, entretenida y los protagonistas me han encantado.
Sobre todo la pareja de Jules y Robin, me tenían loquita desde el primer momento.
Con Ric y Annie me reído mucho, por que se llevaban como el perro y el gato.
Lo más seguro que siga leyendo esta serie, me gusta como escribe la autora y parece que los demás libros tienen buena pinta
August 29, 2015
I just love the Brockmann's Troubleshooters series. I love the way she writes, I love her characters, I love the storylines. Yep, there's a whole lotta love here.
Force of Nature is a great entry to the series, and a must read for anyone who, like me, thinks Jules Cassidy is the star of the show. There's a good reason why his scene-stealing self appears in so many of the Troubleshooters books.
In this novel we are reintroduced to Ric Alvarado, who we met briefly in Gone Too Far as a police detective in Sarasota, Florida. Ric has left the force, is now running his own private detective agency and has just hired Annie Dugan, the little sister of his childhood best friend, as his girl Friday.
Ric has a secretly had a thing for Annie since she was 16, and now she's all grown up. Annie is described as being on the heavier side, which was somewhat refreshing to see - no perfect, petite heroine here. Ric and Annie form the first in a two-for romance deal.
When a routine job goes awry, Ric and Annie find themselves deep undercover in association with a notorious crime boss with suspected ties to terrorist activities.
Enter FBI Agent Jules Cassidy, running the investigation and inserting himself undercover with Ric and Annie. In the course of the investigation, Jules comes face-to-face Robin Chadwick - the man he has desperately been trying to stay away from since Hot Target.
I enjoyed Ric and Annie's romance, but Jules and Robin's just blew it out of the water (for those who have read this story, no pun intended!). This, combined with a riveting, white-knuckle, edge of your seat, heart-wrenching, action aplenty suspense plot, made for a fantastic ride.
Brockmann's Troubleshooters are popcorn reads, in the the best possible way. And like popcorn, I just can't get enough.
Force of Nature is a great entry to the series, and a must read for anyone who, like me, thinks Jules Cassidy is the star of the show. There's a good reason why his scene-stealing self appears in so many of the Troubleshooters books.
In this novel we are reintroduced to Ric Alvarado, who we met briefly in Gone Too Far as a police detective in Sarasota, Florida. Ric has left the force, is now running his own private detective agency and has just hired Annie Dugan, the little sister of his childhood best friend, as his girl Friday.
Ric has a secretly had a thing for Annie since she was 16, and now she's all grown up. Annie is described as being on the heavier side, which was somewhat refreshing to see - no perfect, petite heroine here. Ric and Annie form the first in a two-for romance deal.
When a routine job goes awry, Ric and Annie find themselves deep undercover in association with a notorious crime boss with suspected ties to terrorist activities.
Enter FBI Agent Jules Cassidy, running the investigation and inserting himself undercover with Ric and Annie. In the course of the investigation, Jules comes face-to-face Robin Chadwick - the man he has desperately been trying to stay away from since Hot Target.
I enjoyed Ric and Annie's romance, but Jules and Robin's just blew it out of the water (for those who have read this story, no pun intended!). This, combined with a riveting, white-knuckle, edge of your seat, heart-wrenching, action aplenty suspense plot, made for a fantastic ride.
Brockmann's Troubleshooters are popcorn reads, in the the best possible way. And like popcorn, I just can't get enough.
November 19, 2016
Reviewed at Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
I don't know how this author continues to turn out such awesome books with heroes that steal your heart and heroines that can stand up to them but she does. Force of Nature is another five star addition to the series. It literally has it all - intense action, heart stopping suspense, multiple tightly woven plots that mesmerize, and romance that will have you pulling your hair out while waiting for each couple's happy ever after. Perfecto!
Private Investigator Ric Alvarado loves women. Period. But, it seems, he has finally met his match with his new assistant Annie Dugan. She leaves him tongue-tied and wanting more - often with his foot inserted in his mouth. These two are hilarious dancing around one another. When a supposedly "safe case" goes bad, Ric knows he'll do anything to protect her - but Annie is no wilting rose. Maybe she doesn't need "saving" . . . maybe she can save herself and everyone else! I love Brockmann's gutsy, sassy, take charge heroines, and Annie is no exception. While it took me just a bit to warm up to her and Ric as a couple, the wait was well worth it. Some of the scenes between these two are priceless!
And the icing on the cake in Force Of Nature?? FBI Agent Jules Cassidy and Actor Robin Chadwick meet again when Robin inserts himself into this case in order to gain time and attention from Jules. These two are matches & dynamite - an explosion waiting to happen. And wait I have. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. Poignant, heart-breaking, yearning, want, need, and yes, love all encompassing this couple as mishaps and misunderstandings keep them apart. Of course, that just makes the coming together all the sweeter. I couldn't have asked for more from their story. As much as I loved Ric and Annie - once again, it's a "secondary" couple that steals the show as it was Jules & Robin all the way for me! A Page Burning Story! A Must Read!
I don't know how this author continues to turn out such awesome books with heroes that steal your heart and heroines that can stand up to them but she does. Force of Nature is another five star addition to the series. It literally has it all - intense action, heart stopping suspense, multiple tightly woven plots that mesmerize, and romance that will have you pulling your hair out while waiting for each couple's happy ever after. Perfecto!
Private Investigator Ric Alvarado loves women. Period. But, it seems, he has finally met his match with his new assistant Annie Dugan. She leaves him tongue-tied and wanting more - often with his foot inserted in his mouth. These two are hilarious dancing around one another. When a supposedly "safe case" goes bad, Ric knows he'll do anything to protect her - but Annie is no wilting rose. Maybe she doesn't need "saving" . . . maybe she can save herself and everyone else! I love Brockmann's gutsy, sassy, take charge heroines, and Annie is no exception. While it took me just a bit to warm up to her and Ric as a couple, the wait was well worth it. Some of the scenes between these two are priceless!
And the icing on the cake in Force Of Nature?? FBI Agent Jules Cassidy and Actor Robin Chadwick meet again when Robin inserts himself into this case in order to gain time and attention from Jules. These two are matches & dynamite - an explosion waiting to happen. And wait I have. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. Poignant, heart-breaking, yearning, want, need, and yes, love all encompassing this couple as mishaps and misunderstandings keep them apart. Of course, that just makes the coming together all the sweeter. I couldn't have asked for more from their story. As much as I loved Ric and Annie - once again, it's a "secondary" couple that steals the show as it was Jules & Robin all the way for me! A Page Burning Story! A Must Read!
August 27, 2007
Brockmann's previous book, Into the Storm, didn't give fans of gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy much time with their hero, but our patience is rewarded in Force of Nature (going by the title I was half-afraid this was going to be a hurricane Katrina plot). Jules finally gets center stage, though he has to share it with a heterosexual couple who are disappointingly similar to the hero and heroine of Into the Storm (it's refreshing when it's the woman who's afraid of committment, but it's less refreshing when two different couples have the exact same fictional issues). Not that they're not appealing characters, but I couldn't help flipping ahead to the next mention of Jules and his unwilling reunion with fucked-up actor Robin Chadwick.
Since we first met him in Hot Target, Robin has come to terms with his homosexuality but not with his drinking, and he's still afraid to ruin his newfound fame by coming out. And he's still doing bone-headed things like getting caught on YouTube nearly falling off a balcony while plastered. Yet before the book is over, Robin will prove he too can kick some ass under pressure, and there's a believable and highly satisfying ending. Of course, some of us will always wish there were more gay sex scenes...and even if we probably won't get any more, we're eagerly awaiting a purported Christmas novella featuring Jules, Robin, and (I hope) Robin's awesome personal assistant (who deserves a romance of her own). A Brockmann Christmas story kind of boggles the mind...
Since we first met him in Hot Target, Robin has come to terms with his homosexuality but not with his drinking, and he's still afraid to ruin his newfound fame by coming out. And he's still doing bone-headed things like getting caught on YouTube nearly falling off a balcony while plastered. Yet before the book is over, Robin will prove he too can kick some ass under pressure, and there's a believable and highly satisfying ending. Of course, some of us will always wish there were more gay sex scenes...and even if we probably won't get any more, we're eagerly awaiting a purported Christmas novella featuring Jules, Robin, and (I hope) Robin's awesome personal assistant (who deserves a romance of her own). A Brockmann Christmas story kind of boggles the mind...
June 10, 2012
This is an amazing story, if read for the Jules-Robin relationship. I get the impression that was the story Suzanne Brockmann really wanted to write, and the Ric-Annie relationship was added as filler so she could sell the book in a m/f market. Which is a shame on multiple levels, since I think Annie is pretty darn kick-ass and her story could have been an awesome one. As it is, there's nothing wrong with it, exactly, it just lacks a certain spark.
January 7, 2015
Well, shoot!
I did not love this. If it weren't for Jules and Robin, this would have been a 2. If it was about them only, I would have given it a 4.
I'll write more later when I get over my disappointment.
I did not love this. If it weren't for Jules and Robin, this would have been a 2. If it was about them only, I would have given it a 4.
I'll write more later when I get over my disappointment.
November 11, 2016
I enjoyed my re-read of this 11th book in her Troubleshooter series!
December 7, 2022
Force of Nature
4.5 Stars
P.I. Ric Alvarado is hired to locate a missing person, but the case takes a dangerous turn when his client tries to gun down the son of a local crime boss. Soon Ric and his assistant, Annie Dugan, find themselves in the middle of an FBI investigation when agent Jules Cassidy asks for their help in infiltrating the notorious mobster's compound. The situation is further complicated by the appearance of Robin Chadwick, Hollywood's latest heartthrob and Jules's former flame, on the scene. Ric, Annie, Jules, and Robin join forces but quickly learn that they will be risking more than their lives in attempting to stop a malicious killer.
Although connected to the Troubleshooters series, this installment focuses on four side characters rather than on the main group of SEALs and operatives. Nevertheless, the suspense plot is intense and exciting, especially the riveting events at the end, and the dual romantic pairings, Ric and Annie, and Jules and Robin, are engaging and keep the pages turning.
Ric and Annie are relatively unknown characters. Ric made a short-lived appearance in Gone Too Far and Annie is new to the series. Regardless, their friends-to-lovers romance is adorable as they fight their attraction (and each other). While they have incredible chemistry, there are moments where their bickering is overdone although not quite as bad as Sam and Alyssa's.
There is finally some closure to Robin and Jules's complex entanglement. Brockmann's portrayal of Robin's struggle with his sexual identity and his drinking problem is realistic and adds an edge both to his character and to his relationship with Jules. Readers who have been rooting for these two amazing men will not be disappointed in how their connection unfolds.
On a final note, Brockmann constantly refers to the passage of time between Robin and Jules' first meeting and the present as "a few years". However, it has only been two years since they first met and the implication of a longer duration is incongruous and confusing. This is a minor issue but had the effect of drawing me out of the story.
Overall, an entertaining installment and I look forward to the next one.
4.5 Stars
P.I. Ric Alvarado is hired to locate a missing person, but the case takes a dangerous turn when his client tries to gun down the son of a local crime boss. Soon Ric and his assistant, Annie Dugan, find themselves in the middle of an FBI investigation when agent Jules Cassidy asks for their help in infiltrating the notorious mobster's compound. The situation is further complicated by the appearance of Robin Chadwick, Hollywood's latest heartthrob and Jules's former flame, on the scene. Ric, Annie, Jules, and Robin join forces but quickly learn that they will be risking more than their lives in attempting to stop a malicious killer.
Although connected to the Troubleshooters series, this installment focuses on four side characters rather than on the main group of SEALs and operatives. Nevertheless, the suspense plot is intense and exciting, especially the riveting events at the end, and the dual romantic pairings, Ric and Annie, and Jules and Robin, are engaging and keep the pages turning.
Ric and Annie are relatively unknown characters. Ric made a short-lived appearance in Gone Too Far and Annie is new to the series. Regardless, their friends-to-lovers romance is adorable as they fight their attraction (and each other). While they have incredible chemistry, there are moments where their bickering is overdone although not quite as bad as Sam and Alyssa's.
There is finally some closure to Robin and Jules's complex entanglement. Brockmann's portrayal of Robin's struggle with his sexual identity and his drinking problem is realistic and adds an edge both to his character and to his relationship with Jules. Readers who have been rooting for these two amazing men will not be disappointed in how their connection unfolds.
On a final note, Brockmann constantly refers to the passage of time between Robin and Jules' first meeting and the present as "a few years". However, it has only been two years since they first met and the implication of a longer duration is incongruous and confusing. This is a minor issue but had the effect of drawing me out of the story.
Overall, an entertaining installment and I look forward to the next one.
August 3, 2019
4.5 stars
Ric was a cop, but an injury and a little trouble within his department has him starting his own private investigation business. He takes on an assistant, someone he's known since they were children, since she was promised a job by her brother, who happens to be his best friend. Unfortunately, Annie was under the impression that the job would be more than what Ric needs her for, and business isn't quite booming, so he may have to watch her walk away.
Annie wants to be an investigator, rather than sitting in the office filing things and looking pretty. She came back to Florida because she needed to get away from her old life, but this is definitely a waste of her talents. In spite of being kicked around a little bit, Annie is still standing, and raring to go.
When Ric takes what he thinks is a simple case of finding a missing person, things start to spiral out of control. For one thing, client tries to shoot someone in front of Ric, and gets thwarted, while Ric and Annie go for a ride with the person who was shot at. For another thing, the FBI is interested in using the contact that they have made, because the person they had on the inside has gone silent. And while Jules didn't like that person, since she had a problem with gay people in the FBI, he was still the person in charge of the investigation, and he will do anything to find out what happened to her, and to get her out if at all possible. This includes using the actor he met a couple of years ago on another case, even though Jules has feelings for him and never wanted to see him again.
Robin is...getting worse. He doesn't realize that he's an alcoholic, even though his sister won't let him look after his niece alone. When the chance to work with Jules again comes up, Robin leaps at the chance, hoping to further a connection that started between them when they first met.
I read this right after Hot Target, because I wanted to find out what happened with Jules. (Not too much of a stretch; I had read Breaking Point a couple of years ago, so things touched on in this book weren't completely out of the blue.)
Awwww, Jules! *smooshes him with my love* Jules just gets more and more awesome, in my opinion. He has real emotions and regrets and tries his hardest to be fair to everyone, including himself, even if he doesn't necessarily like them. He's professional, smart, and not a token funny guy. It's easy to see how he earns the respect of everyone, and makes friends with a lot of them, too.
His conflicting feelings for Robin felt true, and I liked that he chose to do what was best for himself, instead of letting things happen that might give him regrets in the future.
Annie was a strong character as well. She stood her own with everyone, including the bad guys, without being TSTL. She was smart, funny, loving...it kind of made me wonder why she had feelings for Ric, who was pretty bland, I found. In fact, I liked his best friend and wanted his story more than I wanted to be around Ric. I don't know, I guess they had the history of knowing each other from childhood onward, so maybe he wasn't quite so bland then, but we never really got to see another side of him, other than his carefree, bachelor self who kind of did stupid things, in spite of being a former police officer.
In spite of Ric, I enjoyed the story. Seeing a competent, common sensical woman as a heroine was definitely refreshing. And having Jules always makes things better.
Ric was a cop, but an injury and a little trouble within his department has him starting his own private investigation business. He takes on an assistant, someone he's known since they were children, since she was promised a job by her brother, who happens to be his best friend. Unfortunately, Annie was under the impression that the job would be more than what Ric needs her for, and business isn't quite booming, so he may have to watch her walk away.
Annie wants to be an investigator, rather than sitting in the office filing things and looking pretty. She came back to Florida because she needed to get away from her old life, but this is definitely a waste of her talents. In spite of being kicked around a little bit, Annie is still standing, and raring to go.
When Ric takes what he thinks is a simple case of finding a missing person, things start to spiral out of control. For one thing, client tries to shoot someone in front of Ric, and gets thwarted, while Ric and Annie go for a ride with the person who was shot at. For another thing, the FBI is interested in using the contact that they have made, because the person they had on the inside has gone silent. And while Jules didn't like that person, since she had a problem with gay people in the FBI, he was still the person in charge of the investigation, and he will do anything to find out what happened to her, and to get her out if at all possible. This includes using the actor he met a couple of years ago on another case, even though Jules has feelings for him and never wanted to see him again.
Robin is...getting worse. He doesn't realize that he's an alcoholic, even though his sister won't let him look after his niece alone. When the chance to work with Jules again comes up, Robin leaps at the chance, hoping to further a connection that started between them when they first met.
I read this right after Hot Target, because I wanted to find out what happened with Jules. (Not too much of a stretch; I had read Breaking Point a couple of years ago, so things touched on in this book weren't completely out of the blue.)
Awwww, Jules! *smooshes him with my love* Jules just gets more and more awesome, in my opinion. He has real emotions and regrets and tries his hardest to be fair to everyone, including himself, even if he doesn't necessarily like them. He's professional, smart, and not a token funny guy. It's easy to see how he earns the respect of everyone, and makes friends with a lot of them, too.
His conflicting feelings for Robin felt true, and I liked that he chose to do what was best for himself, instead of letting things happen that might give him regrets in the future.
Annie was a strong character as well. She stood her own with everyone, including the bad guys, without being TSTL. She was smart, funny, loving...it kind of made me wonder why she had feelings for Ric, who was pretty bland, I found. In fact, I liked his best friend and wanted his story more than I wanted to be around Ric. I don't know, I guess they had the history of knowing each other from childhood onward, so maybe he wasn't quite so bland then, but we never really got to see another side of him, other than his carefree, bachelor self who kind of did stupid things, in spite of being a former police officer.
In spite of Ric, I enjoyed the story. Seeing a competent, common sensical woman as a heroine was definitely refreshing. And having Jules always makes things better.
August 18, 2016
4.5 "Action, 2 Couples, and Loads of Fun!" Stars for the Story and Narration!
I'm a little late to this series, having just started at the prior book (Book 9, Into the Storm), but I'm loving the action, suspense, and banter/heat between the couples that Ms. Brockmann matches up in the Troubleshooter Series. Fortunately, although you definitely get the sense that at least one of these couples has interacted in prior books in the series, Ms. Brockmann does a great job of summing up the background, so that I had no difficulty following the romantic (or suspense) arc of Force of Nature. To the extent that you are planning on listening to this whole series, however, I would recommend that you start at the beginning and listen to this series in order for maximum enjoyment.
One of the things that I loved the most about Force of Nature is that it was actually a first for me as one of the couples is an M/M romance. Thank you Ms. Brockmann for making my first time an enjoyable and interesting listening: ) I particularly was intrigued by the delicate handling of this subject matter with a particular focus on the difficulties presented by one half of the couple being reluctant to come out. This certainly gave me a glimpse into some of the unique challenges of same gendered couples that I had never been exposed to before, giving me a whole new sense of awareness.
Former detective turned private investigator Rick Alvarado is loosing the battle to keep his personal assistant in the office and as far away as possible from the dangerous fieldwork. When Annie's insistence on joining him in the detective work lands them both in the crosshairs of a dangerous mobster, Rick is left with no choice but to accept Annie's plea to get involved. But will he be able to both keep her safe and avoid falling for while they work this assignment?
Tied into the investigation of the mobster is FBI agent Jules Cassidy. Jules Cassidy has been attracted to actor, Robin Chadwick, an attraction which Robin shares. However Robin's profession as a hearthrob keeps him from publicly pursuing a HEA with Jules. In an interesting wrinkle Robin too goes undercover in the investigation that Jules, Rick and Annie are all involved in, making it impossible for both Robin and Jules to avoid their feelings any longer. But, will both couple be successful in both apprehend the bad guy and resolving their feeling for one another once and for all?
Adding further intensity to this action and heat filled adventure was the talented duo narration by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank. In the typical two narrator style where the chapters are divided among different characters' perspective, Mr. Lawlor generally narrates the ones from a male's perspective and Ms. Ewbank, the ones from a female perspective. This style works well for this book giving the listener natural transition points.
Mr. Lawlor is a natural for the upbeat, fast-paced scenes. He also manages to deliver the humurous lines with just the right punchline maximizing their effect. Melanie Ewbank, in turn, is a natural narrator for the gutsy females that tend to dominate Ms. Brockmann's Troubleshooters Series. The combination of these two talented narrators renders this a great title to sit back and enjoy in audio format.
All in all, I highly recommend both Force of Nature and the Troubleshooters Series to romantic suspense audiobook lovers.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a little late to this series, having just started at the prior book (Book 9, Into the Storm), but I'm loving the action, suspense, and banter/heat between the couples that Ms. Brockmann matches up in the Troubleshooter Series. Fortunately, although you definitely get the sense that at least one of these couples has interacted in prior books in the series, Ms. Brockmann does a great job of summing up the background, so that I had no difficulty following the romantic (or suspense) arc of Force of Nature. To the extent that you are planning on listening to this whole series, however, I would recommend that you start at the beginning and listen to this series in order for maximum enjoyment.
One of the things that I loved the most about Force of Nature is that it was actually a first for me as one of the couples is an M/M romance. Thank you Ms. Brockmann for making my first time an enjoyable and interesting listening: ) I particularly was intrigued by the delicate handling of this subject matter with a particular focus on the difficulties presented by one half of the couple being reluctant to come out. This certainly gave me a glimpse into some of the unique challenges of same gendered couples that I had never been exposed to before, giving me a whole new sense of awareness.
Former detective turned private investigator Rick Alvarado is loosing the battle to keep his personal assistant in the office and as far away as possible from the dangerous fieldwork. When Annie's insistence on joining him in the detective work lands them both in the crosshairs of a dangerous mobster, Rick is left with no choice but to accept Annie's plea to get involved. But will he be able to both keep her safe and avoid falling for while they work this assignment?
Tied into the investigation of the mobster is FBI agent Jules Cassidy. Jules Cassidy has been attracted to actor, Robin Chadwick, an attraction which Robin shares. However Robin's profession as a hearthrob keeps him from publicly pursuing a HEA with Jules. In an interesting wrinkle Robin too goes undercover in the investigation that Jules, Rick and Annie are all involved in, making it impossible for both Robin and Jules to avoid their feelings any longer. But, will both couple be successful in both apprehend the bad guy and resolving their feeling for one another once and for all?
Adding further intensity to this action and heat filled adventure was the talented duo narration by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank. In the typical two narrator style where the chapters are divided among different characters' perspective, Mr. Lawlor generally narrates the ones from a male's perspective and Ms. Ewbank, the ones from a female perspective. This style works well for this book giving the listener natural transition points.
Mr. Lawlor is a natural for the upbeat, fast-paced scenes. He also manages to deliver the humurous lines with just the right punchline maximizing their effect. Melanie Ewbank, in turn, is a natural narrator for the gutsy females that tend to dominate Ms. Brockmann's Troubleshooters Series. The combination of these two talented narrators renders this a great title to sit back and enjoy in audio format.
All in all, I highly recommend both Force of Nature and the Troubleshooters Series to romantic suspense audiobook lovers.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2016
Another heart stopping, brilliant read. How Suzanne Brockmann keeps coming up with these gorgeous heroes, gutsy heroines and great suspense scenarios beats me, I'm just so enjoying the ride.
November 14, 2017
Pues 5 estrellazas porque hacía tiempo que ningún libro me tenía despierta hasta las 3 de la mañana 😎.
Una gran historia de suspense y acción romántica, con mafia, terroristas y un final muy peliculero.
Aquí culmina la relación de Jules y qué final!!!. Este es uno de los personajes más adorables que he leído, además de ser muy humano y real en sus reacciones. Sus diálogos con Robin o Ric o Max son fantásticos.
También tenemos la pareja de Ric y Annie con la que me he reído mucho y con un personaje secundario, Martell, que pone el contrapunto de humor.
Un libro que no defrauda!!
Una gran historia de suspense y acción romántica, con mafia, terroristas y un final muy peliculero.
Aquí culmina la relación de Jules y qué final!!!. Este es uno de los personajes más adorables que he leído, además de ser muy humano y real en sus reacciones. Sus diálogos con Robin o Ric o Max son fantásticos.
También tenemos la pareja de Ric y Annie con la que me he reído mucho y con un personaje secundario, Martell, que pone el contrapunto de humor.
Un libro que no defrauda!!
July 2, 2020
Another quality read in this series. It was a fairly slow burn until the last few chapters, which were really action-packed. Had double value with two enjoyable romances, one MF, one MM.
November 5, 2016
I loved this one! Back in the day, I read mystery books almost exclusively, so I loved the action packed suspense plot. I also used to watch film noir style TV shows and movies with my dad. So I always have a nostalgic twinge for anything with that feeling. Ric and Annie's PI/His Girl Friday vibe was a favorite, especially with the added bonus of being childhood friends. Then to get all the Robin and Jules payoff that has been building in the last few books... this was definitely a favorite. And I'm so excited that there is a Jukes and Robin novella next, because I definitely want more!
April 27, 2015
Yay for Jules and Robin!
July 18, 2022
Undécimo de los Troubleshooters. Suspense romántico con una heroína estupenda,… y Jules & Robin.
A Rick Alvarado lo vimos como policía en Sarasota, intentando ligar con Gina en Demasiado lejos. Ahora trabaja de detective privado, y tiene como recepcionista a Annie Dugan, la hermana de un amigo, aunque ella aspira a participar en las investigaciones.
Han sido amigos desde hace años, se llevan fenomenal y realmente no hay motivo alguno por el cual no puedan estar juntos. En este sentido, no es un romance que resulte muy interesante, la verdad.
Me encanta el personaje de Annie, una heroína estupenda, se atreve con todo y desborda valentía, una de esas mujeres atléticas con una gran inteligencia cinética a la que le sale bien cualquier deporte que emprenda. Si aprende a disparar, será la más certera en cuestión de minutos. Si hay que improvisar en el curso de una investigación, lo hará.
La parte de suspense va como a trompicones. Por un lado está bien que parece que se centra en buscar a una persona desaparecida, pero luego la cosa se lía con un tipo buscado por el FBI, terrorismo internacional, etc. Pero toda esta trama de misterio aparece y desaparece para acelerarse al final. Esa parte última está logradísima. Me tuvo mordiéndome las uñas, al pentís de la silla, hasta que conseguí terminarlo.
Ahora, lo mejor de la novela para mi es ver a Jules y Robin. Jules, agente del FBI extraordinario, se fijó en Robin en Pasiones cruzadas. Todo entre ellos parece imposible: Jules no quiere ser el secreto de nadie, se juró que jamás volvería a ser pareja de un actor y además, su futuro profesional puede verse en peligro porque Robin… es un tipo complicado, muy estrella de cine, sí, pero está en Narnia y es alcohólico, y no lo reconoce.
Hay algo muy bonito y es que Robin no está ahí solo para ser el interés romántico de Jules. Es un personaje por derecho propio y por ejemplo, sale una amistad muy linda entre él y Annie y Robin, y también interviene en la trama, ayudando en la investigación.
La leí en español, en una traducción a veces es un poco chocante. Su tono es muy diferente a la autora en su idioma original.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
A Rick Alvarado lo vimos como policía en Sarasota, intentando ligar con Gina en Demasiado lejos. Ahora trabaja de detective privado, y tiene como recepcionista a Annie Dugan, la hermana de un amigo, aunque ella aspira a participar en las investigaciones.
Han sido amigos desde hace años, se llevan fenomenal y realmente no hay motivo alguno por el cual no puedan estar juntos. En este sentido, no es un romance que resulte muy interesante, la verdad.
Me encanta el personaje de Annie, una heroína estupenda, se atreve con todo y desborda valentía, una de esas mujeres atléticas con una gran inteligencia cinética a la que le sale bien cualquier deporte que emprenda. Si aprende a disparar, será la más certera en cuestión de minutos. Si hay que improvisar en el curso de una investigación, lo hará.
La parte de suspense va como a trompicones. Por un lado está bien que parece que se centra en buscar a una persona desaparecida, pero luego la cosa se lía con un tipo buscado por el FBI, terrorismo internacional, etc. Pero toda esta trama de misterio aparece y desaparece para acelerarse al final. Esa parte última está logradísima. Me tuvo mordiéndome las uñas, al pentís de la silla, hasta que conseguí terminarlo.
Ahora, lo mejor de la novela para mi es ver a Jules y Robin. Jules, agente del FBI extraordinario, se fijó en Robin en Pasiones cruzadas. Todo entre ellos parece imposible: Jules no quiere ser el secreto de nadie, se juró que jamás volvería a ser pareja de un actor y además, su futuro profesional puede verse en peligro porque Robin… es un tipo complicado, muy estrella de cine, sí, pero está en Narnia y es alcohólico, y no lo reconoce.
Hay algo muy bonito y es que Robin no está ahí solo para ser el interés romántico de Jules. Es un personaje por derecho propio y por ejemplo, sale una amistad muy linda entre él y Annie y Robin, y también interviene en la trama, ayudando en la investigación.
La leí en español, en una traducción a veces es un poco chocante. Su tono es muy diferente a la autora en su idioma original.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
June 17, 2022
PI Ric almost kills himself trying to take care of Annie, who needs no taking care of thank you sir.
3.5 stars This isn't one of my favorite in the series largely because Ric and Annie were an ok, but not great, couple. I adored Annie's little 'mutant dog' Pierre and her back story of how she ended up being his dog mom. And of course the portions of the story that lead to Jules and Robin getting together as a solid couple, with Robin outing himself at last to a news crew, were great.
3.5 stars This isn't one of my favorite in the series largely because Ric and Annie were an ok, but not great, couple. I adored Annie's little 'mutant dog' Pierre and her back story of how she ended up being his dog mom. And of course the portions of the story that lead to Jules and Robin getting together as a solid couple, with Robin outing himself at last to a news crew, were great.
March 24, 2018
This was read awhile ago but never rated it. This is a fantastic series!
November 22, 2022
Jules and Robin - Ric and Annie. These are the primary characters in Force of Nature. It was a departure from the SEAL's - Troubleshooters characters, in that none of them were directly involved in the plot. I really enjoyed this book. I would really hate to have picked up this book without reading the series.
Ric and Annie have known each other since childhood. Annie has moved back to Sarasota and taken a job as P.I. Ric's assistant. Ric sees her as his receptionist. Period. He takes her on what appears to be a fairly simple case and she gets info he could not have gotten. The next stop gets them in a shoot out between their client and a wannabe gangsta. From there the story takes off and Ric and Annie are now involved with Jules from the FBI and a case involving terrorists and national security.
Robin, Jules' one that wants to stay in the closet, an actor, is also in town promoting a movie. Robin and Jules hook up and the old feelings are still deep and hot. Robin gets them into the Burn's compound and helps provide a diversion. Jules and Ric keep trying to keep Annie and Robin out of the action, but they end up in the middle no matter what they plan.
Ric and Annie have known each other since childhood. Annie has moved back to Sarasota and taken a job as P.I. Ric's assistant. Ric sees her as his receptionist. Period. He takes her on what appears to be a fairly simple case and she gets info he could not have gotten. The next stop gets them in a shoot out between their client and a wannabe gangsta. From there the story takes off and Ric and Annie are now involved with Jules from the FBI and a case involving terrorists and national security.
Robin, Jules' one that wants to stay in the closet, an actor, is also in town promoting a movie. Robin and Jules hook up and the old feelings are still deep and hot. Robin gets them into the Burn's compound and helps provide a diversion. Jules and Ric keep trying to keep Annie and Robin out of the action, but they end up in the middle no matter what they plan.
June 6, 2012
Okay, I've definitely read too many of these now. This volume of the series seems to be my overall favorite, but I think that must mean that my brain has finally liquefied and run out my ears.
Once again we have lost the WWII subplots from earlier books. I liked those, so it's a shame to not have them in these later books. However, Brockmann is now doing a better job at integrating the characters, action, and romance elements without seeming quite as artificial as she did in the earlier stories. Also, in this one, Jules (her gay FBI agent character)is once again a major player -- and since he is near and dear to both Brockmann and to her fans, she gives him a lot of loving (pardon the pun) attention here.
I kinda hate to give this sort of trashy novel a good rating...but, what the heck. There's exciting action without too much stupidity to the plot, good sexual tension and angst between both of the couples highlighted in this installment, and a series favorite once again gets the spotlight. 4 stars.
Once again we have lost the WWII subplots from earlier books. I liked those, so it's a shame to not have them in these later books. However, Brockmann is now doing a better job at integrating the characters, action, and romance elements without seeming quite as artificial as she did in the earlier stories. Also, in this one, Jules (her gay FBI agent character)is once again a major player -- and since he is near and dear to both Brockmann and to her fans, she gives him a lot of loving (pardon the pun) attention here.
I kinda hate to give this sort of trashy novel a good rating...but, what the heck. There's exciting action without too much stupidity to the plot, good sexual tension and angst between both of the couples highlighted in this installment, and a series favorite once again gets the spotlight. 4 stars.
March 1, 2024
I was ambivalent about this book. Maybe because I hadn't read the prior books that included Ric, but I just didn't really care for Ric or Annie. Too much bickering and Annie having to constantly prove she's a tough girl etc. I think the two of them were pretty weak characters. On the other hand, I liked the storyline, the suspense, the touch of Hollywood again and of course, the very charming Jules. In fact, Jules & Robin just were stronger characters in the book that they ended up overshadowing Ric & Annie's story. I'd say this story was more of 3.5 due to that unevenness, but there's lots to enjoy here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews